What Does a Load of Laundry Cost? Washer, Dryer, Water, and Detergent
October 29, 2026
Laundry seems cheap, but over a year the cost adds up. A typical electric dryer uses about 3 kWh per load, so at $0.16 per kWh the dryer costs $0.48. A modern washing machine uses about 0.2 to 0.5 kWh of electricity (more when heating water), 13 to 20 gallons of water, and some detergent. A load is therefore around $0.90, and with four people doing 8 loads a week (416 a year), the annual bill is about $380.
You can compute your own number with the formula: cost per load = (kWh × electricity rate) + (gallons × water rate) + detergent + any water-heating cost.
Skip the math and get your answer instantly:
Open the Savings Calculator →Cost Breakdown
Dryer: 3 kWh × $0.16 = $0.48 (gas dryers use about 0.25 therm, or 25,000 BTU, which costs about $0.37 at $1.50 per therm). Washer motor: 0.45 kWh × $0.16 = $0.07. Water: 15 gallons at $7.50 per 1,000 gallons = $0.11 (plus sewer charges, which may double that). Detergent: $0.15 to $0.40 per load, assume $0.25. Total: $0.91. If you wash with hot water, add the water heating cost: 15 gallons heated by 70°F uses 15 × 8.34 × 70 = 8,757 BTU, or 2.57 kWh in an electric heater, costing $0.41. A hot wash therefore increases the cost by almost half.
| Item | Calculation | Cost per load |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer (electric) | 3 kWh x $0.16 | $0.48 |
| Washer electricity | 0.45 kWh x $0.16 | $0.07 |
| Water | 15 gal x $0.0075 | $0.11 |
| Detergent | assumed | $0.25 |
| Total (cold wash) | $0.91 | |
| Hot water heating (electric), if used | 2.57 kWh x $0.16 | +$0.41 |
Annual Cost and Savings
At 416 loads a year, the base cost is $379. Savings opportunities: wash in cold water (saves $0.41 for each load that would have been hot, or about $170 a year for 416 loads); line-dry half of the loads (saves 208 × $0.48 = $100); wash full loads rather than two half loads (saves up to $0.91 per load avoided); use an efficient machine (a front-loader with a high-speed spin extracts more water, shortening dryer time and saving 20% to 30% of dryer energy); clean the lint filter and dryer vent for efficiency and safety; use dryer sheets or wool dryer balls sparingly; and use the right amount of detergent. Combined, these steps could cut the annual bill in half.
Washing Machine Efficiency
Check the Energy Star label or the energy guide. Front-load machines use about 13 gallons per load compared with 20 to 40 for older top-loaders. A new machine might save $100 to $150 a year in water, electricity, and heating costs compared to a 15-year-old unit, though payback of a $900 purchase takes many years if the old one works. Dryers are less variable, though heat pump dryers use about half the electricity of conventional ones. Using the moisture sensor setting prevents over-drying, which wastes energy and wears clothes.
Laundromats and Services
A coin laundromat may charge $3 to $5 for a washer and $2 to $4 for a dryer, or $5 to $9 a load, up to ten times the home cost. Wash-and-fold services charge by weight, commonly $1.50 to $3 per pound. Compare the convenience with the cost and the purchase price of a home machine: at savings of $5 per load and 3 loads a week, a $1,200 washer and dryer set pays for itself in about 80 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a load of laundry?
About $0.90 with cold water and an electric dryer, at typical rates.
How much electricity does a dryer use?
Around 3 kWh per load for an electric dryer.
How can I save the most on laundry?
Wash in cold water, run full loads, and air-dry when possible.
Is it cheaper to use a laundromat?
No. Laundromats typically cost several times more per load.
Do front-loading machines save money?
Yes, they use less water and spin faster, shortening drying time.